Chicago, Illinois
September 10, 2011 ~ Springhill Suites Chicago O'Hare

The 2011 Regional Meetings came to a close with the Region 4 meeting held on September 10, 2011. This Chicago meeting was well attended, with 58 people in attendance including 7 doctors from Northwestern University and Dr. Jennifer Hand from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Amy Paller spoke in the morning session with a general overview on ichthyosis, the genetics of the skin disease, and skin treatment options. The afternoon included product sharing among meeting attendees and a breakout for the parents, and adults.  The children attending the meeting spent the day in the childcare room having a great time meeting new friends. The team from Northwestern came prepared to draw blood from families interested in participating in Dr. Keith Choate’s study that aims to discover genetic causes of ichthyosis. Families filled the room to take part in this opportunity.

The states represented at this meeting included Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio! Half of those attending the regional meeting had never been to a FIRST event before, making this their very first event. Other meeting participants have been involved with FIRST since they were born! The day brought great stories, much laughter, and a new connection to those who attended.